I was just reading Matthew chapter 10, and towards the end of the chapter I saw some verses that I wanted to share with you. "Accepting someone's help is as good as giving someone help. This is a large work I've called you into, but don't be overwhelmed by it. It's best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose out on a thing."
When we left for Orlando on Tuesday, we first had to stop at the gas station near the interstate. I was asleep in the front seat, exhausted after waking up an hour early and packing all morning. Matt had just finished checking the air in our tires when a woman approached our car and knocked on the window. She pointed to her car parked nearby and explained that it had broken down while traveling from New York. She asked if we had any money for food. I quickly tried to think of what to say, when I realized that we had a box full of food in the backseat. I climbed over the seat and found some bananas and granola bars. I could tell she was disappointed that we didn't give her any money. But she thanked us and we left.
I've thought about that girl a lot since we encountered her. She was probably on drugs, based upon her apperance, and she probably (hopefully not) threw out the food we gave her. However, I felt a small since of satisfaction being able to meet her hunger need. Too often, when I am approached by strangers asking for money, I fumble around not knowing how I should respond and if I should give them anything or not. Part of me is distrusting while another side feels compassion for a person who is desperate enough to beg. A woman approached me in the Ingles parking lot a few weeks ago asking for enough money to buy a biscuit. I asked a couple questions and quickly realized that she was a woman going through a really tough time.
Since I've been reading Matthew, I seen so many people in desperate need approach Jesus and beg Him for something. He gave to them so freely His wisdom, compassion, and healing touch. I can only pray for His discernment when I am approached by people in need. It is so easy for me to react to a situation instead of thinking it through. I've been praying today that God will change my perspective to help me see people as He does. Not just with this, but in all of my relationships. Especially when I find myself stuck in a motel room in Orlando with an 18 month old as my only company. And his new favorite word is "No!".
When we left for Orlando on Tuesday, we first had to stop at the gas station near the interstate. I was asleep in the front seat, exhausted after waking up an hour early and packing all morning. Matt had just finished checking the air in our tires when a woman approached our car and knocked on the window. She pointed to her car parked nearby and explained that it had broken down while traveling from New York. She asked if we had any money for food. I quickly tried to think of what to say, when I realized that we had a box full of food in the backseat. I climbed over the seat and found some bananas and granola bars. I could tell she was disappointed that we didn't give her any money. But she thanked us and we left.
I've thought about that girl a lot since we encountered her. She was probably on drugs, based upon her apperance, and she probably (hopefully not) threw out the food we gave her. However, I felt a small since of satisfaction being able to meet her hunger need. Too often, when I am approached by strangers asking for money, I fumble around not knowing how I should respond and if I should give them anything or not. Part of me is distrusting while another side feels compassion for a person who is desperate enough to beg. A woman approached me in the Ingles parking lot a few weeks ago asking for enough money to buy a biscuit. I asked a couple questions and quickly realized that she was a woman going through a really tough time.
Since I've been reading Matthew, I seen so many people in desperate need approach Jesus and beg Him for something. He gave to them so freely His wisdom, compassion, and healing touch. I can only pray for His discernment when I am approached by people in need. It is so easy for me to react to a situation instead of thinking it through. I've been praying today that God will change my perspective to help me see people as He does. Not just with this, but in all of my relationships. Especially when I find myself stuck in a motel room in Orlando with an 18 month old as my only company. And his new favorite word is "No!".
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